The Pirelli International Historic Rally was held recently (April 06) in Carlisle, which is an event that attracts many of the top names in various groups and classes. Mr Alcock entered the event in his Saab 96, and successfully completed the event coming third in the very competitive 2.0 litre class in which there were many Ford Escorts.

Event Summary: Attack of the Saabs

Just to show that up here at ‘Minimaster’ we don’t just work on minis but also ‘do’ other classic cars (including competition cars), here are some pictures of John and George servicing the LHD 1815cc works-replica SAAB 96 V4 of Clive Alcock on the Historic section of this years Pirelli International Rally, 20-21st April.

One of three SAAB 96s on the event, Clive’s was the only one to complete the entire event, after the similar V4 of Richard Simpson and Craig Wallace caught fire on going over a rock on special stage 2 (Arthur’s Seat0 and the two stroke of Nick Pinkett and Adrian Lucking rolled on special stage 5 (Glen Dhu).

Clive and co-driver Caroline Lodge struggled on Friday night with overheating problems but some nifty servicing work at Carlisle Airport on Saturday morning by the ‘Minimaster’ team saw their car transformed for a storming blast across eastern Kielder, ending in the epic nine-mile stage 7 through Pundershaw.

Final results were Alcock/Lodge as first SAAB finisher; with 50th overall and 3rd in Class C3 behind two 2000cc Escorts; whilst Simpson/Wallace’s V4 rejoined the event to make 53rd overall and 4th in C3.

Thanks to Clive Alcock for the photos and text of this article.